Las Vegas Backpackers

January 10, 2010 8:00 AM - 3 attended

Sunday Snowshoe to Griffith (Mt. Charleston Area)

Starbucks @ 95/N. Durango (map)

Selected By: Karen "K1"

25 photos of this Meetup

Uploaded by: Shin

Come take advantage of the snow on Charleston and stretch your legs. We will be attempting to reach the Griffith saddle on Charleston with snowshoes. We tried this last winter and had a great adventure. This year we will be using a GPS and expect to be able to stay on route!

This will be an uphill hike at elevation so being in good shape is essential. We will be back to town by the early afternoon but no time guarantees.

Snowshoes can be rented for about $10 at REI, Sports Chalet and McGhees -www.rei.com

Snowshoeing is easy to pick up. If this is your first time, but you are in good shape, it will not be a problem.

What to Bring:
Snowshoes
Ski Poles
Lots of layers: It is amazing how much heat you generate while skiing - but it is still winter.
Remember: cotton kills.
Recommended: hat, gloves, zip vest, rain/snow resistant shell top/pants.
Lunch/Snack
Plenty of Water
Camera
Sun screen

Come when you want - but we will be leaving at 8:15!

Hope to see you there - call [masked] or email questions.

Karen

Shin
Cathedral Rock Parking Lot and South Loop Trail head was blocked by fence.
http://www.vegashikers.com/pic/20091220/003.jpg
If Rangers find you sneak in, you got a ticket. So, please take care.

Posted January 7, 2010 at 2:26 PM
Karen "K1"
hmm...that could be a problem....I will update with any changes.

Posted January 7, 2010 at 2:42 PM
Shin
> Karen :
We may able to start hiking near Mary Jane Falls parking lot. But, it makes this hike bit harder and longer.
Maybe Rangers doesn't mind if we start there, but you better call and ask Rangers first.
BTW, if this 'Sunday' Hike is on Sunday, I will join.

Posted January 7, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Shin
4 of us went Griffith Peak on Dec.20th. http://www.vegashikers.com/pic/20091220/p1.html
I broke the most of the trail and have GPS track data if you want.
I don't recommend to following South Loop Trail. The snow is too soft, steep and loose. I tried it last year, so I can tell. (http://www.vegashikers.com/pic/20081231/p1.html)
Anyway, it takes at least 4-5 hours to get to the Saddle. And 2 hours back. So actually, its an all day hike.

Posted January 7, 2010 at 6:56 PM
Ian
I will call the rangers. In the case that South Loop does not work, we will find something else on the mountain.

Posted January 8, 2010 at 8:59 AM
Shin
We met the Rangers and he knew we were snowshoeing up there, but he told us 'You guys are OK, since you know what you are doing. We are worrying about those tourist with tennis shoes.' He also recommended us park and start hiking at Echo Trail thats about quarter mile farther from Cathedral Parking Lot. (inbetween Cathedral TH and Marry Jane TH)

Posted January 10, 2010 at 5:16 PM
Daren
Looks like you guys had a blast. Wish I could have made the trip.

Posted January 11, 2010 at 7:12 PM
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3 attended

5.002 (2 ratings)

Event Host

Karen "K1"

Great snow conditions! Snowshoeing rocks!
Event Host

Ian
Shin
Assistant Organizer

The snow condition was great. Almost all the way to the Saddle was packed snow. Weather was beautiful. No wind and Sunny. Thanks for organizing this hike, Karen & Ian.